Portret van Willem IV, graaf van Holland 1620

Adriaen Matham made this print of Willem IV, count of Holland, sometime between 1599 and 1660. During this period, the Dutch Republic was asserting its independence, crafting its identity through images of historical figures. Here, Willem IV is not just a nobleman but a symbol. His armor and weaponry speak of power, yet it's the shield displaying the lion that links him to the Dutch identity, forging a connection between leadership and regional pride. Note how Matham uses fine lines to convey texture and depth, adding to the emotional weight of this leader. We might ask, what does it mean to represent power through a historical lens? Does it solidify a legacy, or perhaps invite us to question the narratives we inherit? This portrait invites reflection on power, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about the past.